ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
Shri Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board launches ‘Awareness Campaign on Protection of Children in contact with Railways’ as a Joint Initiative with NCPCR
In an endeavour to spread awareness about large number of vulnerable children coming in contact with Railways as passengers or abandoned, trafficked, run away children separated from their family, Shri Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board, along with Smt Stuti Kacker, Chairperson, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights  today launched an awareness campaign on Protection of children in contact with Railways. Shri Dharmendra Kumar, IPS, DG/RPF, Shri Vishwesh Chaube, GM/Northern Railway, Shri R.N.Singh, DRM/Delhi division and other senior officials were also present on this occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board said, “this campaign has been launched to address the issue of protection of Children across the entire railway system & to sensitize all stakeholders, passengers, vendors, porters. Currently, the Standard Operating Procedure  for Railways to ensure Care and Protection of Children in contact with Railways is successfully implemented at 88 stations. Now, we intend to implement in 174 stations.”
Ms Stuti Kacker, Chairperson, NCPCR in her brief address stated that NCPCR is thankful to Ministry of Railways for such collaboration. She added that the support of secondary stakeholders like coolie/porters, vendors at stations is extremely useful in protection of abandoned children. She appreciated the efforts of RPF in taking swift actions to protect the children from trafficking & abuse.
The event also witnessed a street play by the children from different NGOs on the issue of Protection of Children. Shri Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board along with Ms Stuti Kacker, Shri Dharmendra Kumar & Shri Vishwesh Chaube also released a poster to raise awareness for protection and care of children in contact with Railways. The event concluded by Vote of thanks by Shri R.N.Singh, DRM/Delhi.
SBS/MKV/ENS
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Ministry of Defence
Opening ceremony India - Nepal joint battalion Level Exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIII
The 13th edition of bilateral annual military Exercise SURYA KIRAN, between India and Nepal Army commenced today at Pithoragarh. The aim of exercise is joint training of troops in counter insurgency/ counter terrorism operations in both jungle & mountainous terrain and disaster management. Exercise SURYA KIRAN can be termed as the facade of long standing strategic ties between India and Nepal.
As part of the exercise important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter insurgency, counter terrorism operations and disaster management will be conducted. Both the Armies will also share their valuable experiences in countering such situations as also refined drills and procedures for joint operation wherever the need so arises.
The culmination of exercise will be done with a 72 hours joint exercise which will show the joint skills of soldiers while conducting any counter terrorist operation.
Manoj Tuli
APRO 
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Prime Minister's Office
World leaders congratulate PM on Assembly Election results
World leaders congratulate PM on Assembly Election results
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Director General , Ministry of I & B Assumes Charge
Kolkata, November 25, 2019
Shri Rabindra Nath Mishra, an Indian Information Service  officer of Batch of 1987, has assumed the charge of Director General , Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, at the office of PIB Kolkata today. Prior to this, Shri Mishra was the Director General , Ministry of Information & Broadcasting .
During his three decades service in IIS, Shri Mishra has served in News Services Division, All India Radio and DD News, New Delhi, PIB New Delhi, PIB Srinagar, PIB Raipur and several other organizations under the Ministry of I&B. He has also served as Special Correspondent of Prasar Bharati in Kathmandu also. As DG , Shri Mishra will be in charge of the functioning of the offices of both Press Information Bureau and Regional Outreach Bureau in the Eastern Zone, i.e., Jharkhand, Bihar and Orissa apart from West Bengal.
(CC/SSS
Special Service and Features
Chennai BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS CHENNAI BRANCH ORGANISED JEWELLER AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON HALLMARKING - IN VELLORE TODAY
Bureau of Indian Standards  is a statutory body functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It operates various schemes like Product Certification , Management Systems Certification, Hall Marking of Gold and Silver Jewellery/Artefacts and Laboratory Services for the benefit of the industry and in turn aiming at consumer protection.
Bureau of Indian Standards, Chennai Branch Office  has conducted a Jeweller awareness programme on Hallmarking, 28.03.2023 at Darling Residency, Vellore.
Jewellers Association Presidents and around 150 Jewellers from in and around Vellore attended the awareness programme.
Smt. G. Bhavani, Scientist-E/Director and Head  welcomed the jewellers and explained the programmes' objectives and Growth of Hallmarking. The technical presentation on BIS Hallmarking Scheme & Procedures, Hallmarking Rules & Regulation, Responsibilities of Jewelers, Elements of Indian Standard  Amendments, HUID in Brief, Online Registration, Introduction demo in manakonline portal were made by Shri. D. Jeevanandam, Scientist–D / Joint Director.
Participants appreciated the BIS initiative on Jewellers Awareness meet.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur visits SAI’s Patiala Centre, inaugurates new 300 bedded Hostel
Patiala, 17th December: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur on Saturday visited Sports Authority of India’s  Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports  in Patiala and inaugurated a new 300 bedded Hostel which has cost Rs. 26.77 Cr in construction.
The ministers also inaugurated hostels dedicated to India’s legendary hockey player Major Dhyanchand and sprinter PT Usha, which have been renovated and upgraded at a total cost of 5.25 crore.
Speaking during the inauguration Shri. Thakur said, "It is the endeavour of the government to provide the best possible facilities to athletes. Honourable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi ji has always harped on the importance of keeping athletes at the centre of all policies. The launching of this 300 bedded hostel and the upgradation of the old hostels is yet another step in this direction so that athletes training at this prestigious centre have improved lodging facilities."
Shri. Thakur also inaugurated a Sports Performance Analysis course, a first-time addition to the academic courses at NSNIS Patiala. While interacting with the first batch of students of this course, Shri. Thakur said, "Inclusion of sports science and sports performance analysis is very important to assess the actual potential of an athlete, which can go a long way in improving the overall performance of India in international competitions."
During their visit, the ministers also interacted with over 400 athletes and trainees and motivated them to continue focusing on sports and to make the country proud. He sought inputs from athletes about the facilities available to them at the centre and improvements that they want in the current set up.
Over the years SAI Patiala has produced many well-known athletes who have gone on to win many laurels for the country, including World Championships and Olympic medals.
In the year 2021, SAI Patiala athletes won a total of 72 medals across six disciplines at National Level Competitions. In the year 2022, this tally increased to 195 medals.
On the International level, SAI Patiala athletes won 19 medals in competitions such as Commonwealth Championships, European Open & Junior World Championships among others.
Ministry of Defence
Army Hospital  celebrates International Nurses Day
Army Hospital , Delhi Cantt organized a programme to celebrate Nurses Day, today to commemorate the International Nurses Day. The Commandant Army Hospital  Lt Gen UK Sharma addressing as the Chief Guest emphasized that being the most important member of the health team, nurses make a significant contribution in the recovery process of the patients. He also expressed that the profession of nursing is not only challenging but also rewarding.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Director General Military Nursing Services  Maj Gen Anna KuttyBabu reiterated that nursing has undergone tremendous changes in response to social needs and influences in recent times. She said, right from the time of Florence Nightingale, the nurses have proved their worth to the whole world. Nurses’ Day is an important day as it is an opportunity to reflect on the enormous contribution made by this incredible profession, she stated.
A symposiumwas presented by the Faculty of College of Nursing on the theme of International Nurses Day 2018 - ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead; Health is a Human Right’. Lt Gen UK Sharma presented Certificate of Excellence to the nursing officers for their contribution to the hospital.
SRR/NAo/Nampi/Rajib/HS
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Ministry of Women and Child Development
Women and Child Development Ministry launches “Web- Wonder Women” Campaign
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has launched an online campaign, ‘#www : Web- WonderWomen’. The Campaign aims to discover and celebrate the exceptional achievements of women, who have been driving positive agenda of social change via social media. Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development; Mr. Colin Crowell, Global Head, Public Policy, Twitter; and Ms. Sohini Bhattacharya, President & CEO, Breakthrough, were present during the launch.
Through the campaign, the Ministry and the Campaign’s Partners aim to recognize the fortitude of Indian women stalwarts from across the globe who have used the power of social media to run positive & niche campaigns to steer a change in society. This Campaign will recognize and acknowledge the efforts of these meritorious Women.
At the launch, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, said, “Indian women have always been enterprising and have created a positive impact on society with their hard-work, experience and knowledge. Women online, though niche, are a very powerful voice. #www: WebWonderWomen is a campaign to specially honour and encourage such voices that have in their own capacity driven a positive impact on social media platforms. The Ministry is glad to partner with Breakthrough and Twitter India on this.”
The Campaign invites Entries via Nominations from across the world, as per the laid out criteria. Nominations are now open till 31st January, 2019. Indian-origin women, working or settled anywhere in the world, are eligible for nomination. The shortlisted entries will be open for public voting on Twitter and the finalists will be selected by a specialized panel of judges. Nominations have been invited in a large number of categories including Health, Media, Literature, Art, Sports, Environmental protection, fashion among others.
For more details, visit: https://twitter.com/MinistryWCD
or https://www.facebook.com/ministryWCD/
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
66th National Film Awards to be declared after General Elections, 2019
The selections for National Film Awards are made by an independent and impartial jury consisting of eminent film makers and film personalities and declared in the month of April every year.
However, this year elections to the 17th Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of four states are underway and the Awards also include one for the most film friendly state. Since the Model Code of Conduct  is in force, which facilitates level playing field to all political parties and the candidates and inter alia seeks to ensure that the power of media is not used in such a manner which affects the general conduct and level playing field during the election process, it has been decided to declare the awards after the election process is over and the MCC concludes.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
REGULATION OF APP-BASED TAXI SERVICE PROVIDERS
In pursuance of provisions under Section 36 of the Motor Vehicles  Act, 2019 and section 93 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has issued the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020 on 27th November, 2020 and amendments therein on 8th December,2020. The Guidelines are available on the website of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways . It has been shared with States to take appropriate action for regulating taxi aggregators.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Incentives for Startup India
Government of India launched the ‘Startup India’ initiative on January 16, 2016 to build a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. This measure of the Government is helpingcreate large scale job opportunities across the sectors and increase economic growth of the country.
2. As part of this initiative, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion has issued gazette notification No 364 dated 11 April, 2018 constituting a broad based Inter-Ministerial Board  to consider applications of Startups for claim of following incentivesof the Income Tax Act 1961:
- Exemption from levy of income tax on share premium received by eligible Startups under section 56 of the Act.
- 100% deduction of the profits and gains from income of Startups for three out of seven consecutive assessment years under 80 IAC of the Act.
3. Applications for certification of startups under section 56 and Section 80 IAC of the Act will be submitted through an online portal to DIPP. These applications will be considered by IMB for certification.
4. For the purposes of section 56 of the Act, there is no restriction on class of investors and eligible startups can receive investment from any person against issue of share capital.
5. As a continuous endeavour of the Government to facilitate startup eco-system in the country, DIPP has been holding regular stakeholder consultations including with Government ministries/ departments, regulators, angel investors and startups. Amendments introduced through this notification are meant to address key demand of startups with regard to exemptions under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
6. With the introduction of amendments through this notification, startups are likely to have easy access to funding which in turn will ensure ease in starting of new businesses, promote startup eco-system, encourage entrepreneurship leading to more job creation and economic growth in the country.
Ministry of Railways
REDEVELOPMENT / MAJOR UPGRADATION OF BHUBANESWAR STATION
CAMP OFFICE STARTED FUNCTIONING TO LOOK AFTER THE DEVELOPMENTAL WORK
The Camp office to look after the proposed Redevelopment Work of Bhubaneswar Railway Station has been made operational recently in front of the Station.
Bhubaneswar Railway Station is being redeveloped to be a World-Class infrastructure. This is a public centric vital project. East Coast Railway General Manager Shri Roop Narayan Sunkar is reviewing and monitoring this project work and advised officials to make this project with passenger friendly amenities along with World Class infrastructure. Shri Sunkar also stressed upon detailed & precise planning, supervision of execution of works with proper co-ordination.
A number of facilities have been developed and under the process of development. The primary focus is on development of New Building, Air concourse, Renovation of Platforms and Platform Shelters and Circulating areas, Platform Lightings, Food Court Zone and Shopping Areas and Waste Management , waiting rooms, toilets, recently added elevators that are much needed for the comfort of passengers. There will be provision of well-designed service roads, vehicle parking, Drains, Signage and Dividers. The New Building will have high Standard Dormitories and Retiring Rooms apart from the beautified circulating area.
Railways will work out the Railway portion of the developmental work. Action is being taken to complete this work at the earliest. Ministry of Railways has sanctioned Rupees 308 Crores for this redevelopment. The project was assigned to Construction organization of ECoR. Tendering process have already been completed and works awarded. The Construction period of the project is 24 months from starting of the work. All the ongoing Railway projects of Odisha have National Importance. Railways have given all input to the projects.
Prime Minister's Office
PM pays tributes to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on Shaheed Diwas
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on the occasion of the Shaheed Diwas today.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"India will always remember the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. These are greats who made an unparalleled contribution to our freedom struggle."
Election Commission
Bye election to Lakshdweep  PC of UT of Lakshadweep- Withhold and defer issuance of notification for bye election
The Election Commission of India vide its Press Note No. ECI/PN/2/2023 dated 18.01.2023 had announced Bye-election to Lakshdweep PC of UT of Lakshadweep along with 6 ACs of Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu wherein, the date of Poll has been fixed on 27.02.2023  and date of counting is 02.03.2023 .
2. The bye election in Lakshdweep  PC of UT of Lakshadweep was announced due to disqualification of Shri Mohammed Faizal P.P. on ground of conviction by the Court of Sessions, Kavaratti, Lakshadweep in Sessions case no. 01/2017 from the membership of Lok Sabha from the date of his conviction i.e. 11 January, 2023 in terms of the provisions of Article 102 of the Constitution of India read with Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
3. Shri Mohammed Faizal P.P. filed a Crl.M.Appl.No.1 of 2023 in Crl.A.No.49 of 2023 before Hon’ble Kerala High Court, the Hon’ble High Court passed an Order dated 25th January, 2023 suspending the conviction and sentence imposed on Shri Mohammed Faizal P.P.
4. After considering the matter and having due regard to the Order passed by Hon’ble High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam dated 25th January, 2023, the Election Commission of India has decided to withhold the bye election and to defer the issuance of notification for holding the bye election in Lakshdweep  PC of UT of Lakshadweep announced vide Press Note No. ECI/PN/2/2023 dated 18.01.2023.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Major Ports celebrate Netaji Jayanti
Republic Day celebrations began on January 23 this year to include Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary, in line with government's aim to highlight important aspects of our history and culture. At Paradip Port, officials led by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, offered floral tributes at the statue of Netaji near Paradip Bus Stand. Shri Haranadh visited the homes of local freedom fighters in Jagatsinghpur namely Shri Madhabananda Manohari of Nuapara village, Shri Bhagirathi Swain of Ichhapur village & Shri Jogendra Maharana of Aanlla village and felicitated them. During the course of interaction, the freedom fighters described how they in their adolescent time participated in the freedom struggle and contributed to the nation-building exercise, in the post-independence era. Shri Haranadh wished them healthy lives and urged the younger generations to be inspired by these living patriots.
Deendayal Port Trust, Kandla paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary. In a tweet message, the Port mentioned that the courageous and daring steps Netaji took to fulfill his fierce commitment to the idea of a Free India — Azad Hind — make him a national icon. Syama Prasad Mookerji Port, Kolkata paid rich tributes & homage to Netaji, and mentioned that he will keep inspiring us for generations to come.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President greets the nation on the eve of Deepawali
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the nation on the eve of Deepawali.
Following is the full text of the message-
“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens in India and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali/Diwali - the festival of lights.
Celebrated with traditional fervour and zeal, Deepawali signifies the victory of good over evil and reaffirms our belief in the noble ideals and morals of Lord Rama’s life. It is the day when Shri Rama returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Laxmana from exile of 14 years after defeating the demon King Ravana. It is also a celebration of the pious and principled path exemplified in the life and deeds of Lord Rama. The festival reminds us that we need to constantly quell the demonic forces and foster goodness and harmony in our society.
Deepawali’s celebrations transcend the boundaries of India. One can say it is one of the biggest celebrated festivals of the world. Indians living abroad celebrate Deepawali with much fanfare and love.
Worshiping of Lakshmi Devi, the Goddess of prosperity in the night of Deepawali is also one of the main rituals of this festival.
Deepawali is always an occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate. But this year, given the unprecedented health emergency due to COVID-19, I urge my fellow citizens to celebrate Deepawali by adhering to COVID health and hygiene protocols.
May this festival dispel the darkness of ignorance and kindle the light of knowledge and enlightenment. May it bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives.”
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
National Policy for Senior Citizens' Welfare
The National Policy on Older Persons had been announced in 1999 for the welfare of elderly people. Keeping in view the emerging trends in demographic, socio-economic, technological and other relevant fields in the country, the Ministry is drawing a National Policy for Senior Citizens, incorporating issues such as financial & food security, healthcare & nutrition, safety & security, housing, welfare etc.
Whereas, Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana’  is a Scheme of this Ministry, launched in 2017, under which aids and assisted living devices are provided free of cost to senior citizens who are suffering from age related infirmities/disabilities and belong to BPL category, to restore near normalcy in their bodily functions.
Consultation/comments on the draft Policy have been obtained from the concerned stakeholders such as Central Ministries/Departments/State Governments/UT Administrations/Members of the Civil Societies etc.
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Rattan Lal Kataria in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
President's Secretariat
President of India hosts 'At Home' for Freedom Fighters on the 77th Anniversary of Quit India Day
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, hosted an ‘At Home’ reception for freedom fighters on the 77th anniversary of Quit India Day today  at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On the occasion, the President honoured and felicitated 78 freedom fighters from across the country in the presence of the Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu; Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi; Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla; Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah and other dignitaries.